How to Clean and Care Blue Sapphire Gemstones & Jewelry

Care & Maintenance First Gem Jewellers October 4, 2023

How to Clean and Care Blue Sapphire Gemstones & Jewelry

Cleaning and caring for blue sapphire gemstones is relatively simple and easy. Whether you own a piece of sapphire jewellery or gemstone, proper cleaning and care are essential to ensure your precious gemstone’s longevity. 

Understanding Blue Sapphire Gemstones

Before delving into the cleaning and care regimen, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of blue sapphire gemstones:

• Hardness: Sapphires rank just below diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them durable and resistant to scratches.
• Chemical Composition: Blue sapphires are primarily composed of aluminium oxide, with trace elements like iron and titanium imparting their distinctive blue colour.
• Inclusions: While sapphires are known for their clarity, they may contain inclusions or internal flaws. These inclusions can affect the gem’s appearance and, to some extent, its care requirement.

Cleaning Your Blue Sapphire

Cleaning your blue sapphire gemstones is a straightforward process that can be done at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Supplies: You will need a few simple tools and materials:

• Mild dishwashing detergent or a jewelry-specific cleaner
• Warm water
• Brushes with soft bristles or jewelry cleaning brushes
• A lint-free, soft cloth
• A bowl or container

Create a Cleaning Solution: Add drops of mild dishwashing detergent or a jewelry-specific cleaner to a bowl or container with warm water. Stir gently to create a soapy solution.

Soak Your Sapphire: Place your sapphire jewellery in the soapy water solution. Let it soak for 10-20 minutes to loosen any dirt or oils.

Brush and Rinse: Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a jewelry cleaning brush, gently scrub the sapphire’s surface, paying attention to any crevices where dirt may have accumulated. Be gentle to avoid scratching the gem.

Rinse Thoroughly: After brushing, rinse the sapphire thoroughly under warm, running water to remove all soap residue.

Pat Dry: Gently pat your sapphire jewelry dry with a lint-free, soft cloth. Ensure there is no moisture left on the gemstone’s surface.

Optional: Ultrasonic Cleaner: If you own an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, you can use it to clean your sapphire jewelry. However, ensure that your blue sapphire gemstones has no structural weaknesses or surface-reaching fractures that could be affected by the ultrasonic vibrations.

Special Care Considerations

While blue sapphire gemstones are generally robust, a few special care considerations can help prolong their beauty:

Avoid Abrasive Materials: Store your sapphire jewellery separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Do not wear it when engaging in activities that may expose it to abrasive materials or sharp edges.

Chemical Exposure: Limit your sapphire’s exposure to harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners and chlorine, which can dull its luster over time.

Professional Inspection: Periodically have your sapphire jewellery inspected by a professional jeweller. They can check for loose settings or any signs of wear and tear.

Protective Settings: Consider sapphire settings that provide extra protection, such as bezel or halo settings. These settings help shield the sapphire from physical damage.

Storing Your Sapphire

Proper storage is vital to prevent your sapphire jewellery from getting damaged. Here are some storage tips:

• Store each piece of sapphire jewellery separately to prevent scratches.
• Use a jewelry box with individual compartments or soft pouches to keep your sapphires safe.
• You should store your sapphire jewelry away from any extreme temperature such as direct sunlight or extreme cold weather.

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

While routine cleaning can be done at home, there are instances when professional cleaning and maintenance are advisable:

• Heavily Soiled or Greasy Jewelry: If your sapphire jewellery has accumulated a significant amount of dirt, grease, or residue, professional cleaning is recommended.
• Loose Settings: If you notice that the sapphire is becoming loose in its setting or any prongs are damaged, consult a jeweler for repairs and cleaning.
• Complex Jewelry Pieces: Elaborate jewelry designs with intricate settings or multiple gemstones may benefit from professional cleaning to ensure all components are thoroughly cleaned.

These gemstones with their enduring beauty and remarkable durability, are treasured gemstones that deserve meticulous care. Follow these guidelines to maintain the brilliance of your blue sapphire gemstones, ensuring it can be passed down for generations to come. 

To know all about these beautiful gemstones, read on.